Designer Profile: Paulina Carcach

Paulina Carcach Black Lambskin Barrel Style Satchel Bag

California-based Paulina Carcach, 26, is a leather handbag designer. She creates sophisticated and wearable handbags, which are available through her Etsy store and website. Here, she talks about her upcoming spring 2011 collection and more.

Indie Style Finds: Why did you choose to work with leather for your handbags?

Paulina: I'm extremely comfortable working with leather. I grew up watching my grandfather and father make cowboy boots by hand; I was always around leather and shoes. I know how leather is treated and it's characteristics. Leather can be very soft and sturdy at the same time. It can be elegant and casual. I love leather because it's often used for quality items, such as furniture, shoes and accessories. I think once you know how to treat and work with leather, you can work with any other medium.

ISF: What are you working on right now? What can people expect for your next collection?

Paulina: At this moment I'm finishing my Spring 2011 collection. This season I'm wrapping my arms around color! Hyper colors and crazy prints are taking front stage. Colors like teal to electric blue and citrus hues. Also, like always I'm combining brights with the neutral black. I also have four new handbag styles, all clean and very modern.

ISF: How long does it take to construct one bag?

Paulina: One bag takes approximately five to six hours of labor, once I have all of the materials ready. From cutting the leather and lining with the templates to the last finishing detail. Once the leather, fabric, hardware and other materials are ordered, the bag is placed on the schedule, and as soon as materials arrive I start working on the bag. I have a 2.5-week lead-time for all custom orders.

ISF: What's your favorite bag in your collection?

Paulina: I personally own all of my handbags and I love them all, but if I have to choose one style it will have to be the Alba bag.

Paulina Carcach Alba-Eggplant Distress Lambskin Leather Shoulder & Satchel Bag 

ISF: What do you think makes your line special?

Paulina: My handbags are both luxurious and wearable, with a beautiful feminine touch. I strive to make my label timeless and modern but never cold. I offer beautiful quality handmade products with a reasonable price. And a wide variety of products for all ages.